Supreme Court Ruling on 20% Ethanol-Blended Petrol (E20)
The Supreme Court dismissed a PIL challenging the nationwide introduction of 20% ethanol-blended petrol (E20), with Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran presiding over the case.
Petitioner's Concerns
- Senior advocate Shadan Farasat, representing the petitioner, clarified that the plea was not against ethanol blending per se but demanded ethanol-free petrol for vehicles manufactured before April 2023, which are not E20 compliant.
- Cited a 2021 NITI Aayog report highlighting risks to older vehicles and noted that E20 reduces fuel efficiency by approximately 6% without providing E0 or E10 options.
- Argued that mandatory E20 infringes on vehicle owners' rights due to lack of awareness, poor pump labeling, engine corrosion, lower mileage, and rejected insurance claims.
- Noted that the cost benefits of ethanol have not been passed on to consumers.
Government's Defense
- Attorney General R Venkataramani, representing the Centre, stated that the policy was formulated after extensive consultation, considering the welfare of sugarcane farmers.
Reaction and Impact
- ISMA Director General Deepak Ballani welcomed the Supreme Court's decision, affirming India's commitment to cleaner fuels.
- He highlighted the transformative impact of achieving a 20% blending target five years ahead of schedule, leading to:
- Over Rs 1.18 lakh crore paid to farmers.
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- Rs 1.36 lakh crore in foreign exchange savings.
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- A reduction of 698 lakh tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
- Emphasized the policy's benefits for farmers, the economy, and the environment, and reinforced India's commitment to a sustainable energy transition.
